Blaine Manning returns to the Rock

The Toronto Rock re-signed six-foot-one, 210 lb. forward Blaine Manning to a one year contract yesterday. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“We are happy to have Blaine signed and ready for the 2007 season,” said Mike Kloepfer, Director of Lacrosse Operations for the Rock.
Manning tallied 80 points (28 goals and 52 assists) in eight regular season games in 2006 and is considered an essential component to the roster in 2007.

Manning, an Edmonton native, said that he is “looking forward to working with the new coaching staff and players to get back to the Rocks winning ways.”

Although drafted 2nd overall in the 2001 NLL Entry Draft by the Calgary Roughnecks, Manning never wore a Roughnecks jersey. He was acquired by the Toronto Rock for Kaleb Toth and the 1st round 2003 Entry Draft pick.

This arrangement turned out to be ideal for the Rock franchise and the teams committed fans, since Blaine was named NLL Rookie of the Year in 2001 and is now heading into his sixth season as a key player for the Rock.
“He is one of the best offensive players in the NLL and a great leader on and off the floor for the Toronto Rock,” Kloepfer added.

Listed among the top ten NLL scoring leaders for 2006, Blaine has also earned three NLL Championships and been a three-time NLL All-Star.

Open tryouts wrap up for the Toronto Rock on October 22nd, 2006 and the ten intense training camp sessions set to begin in early November.